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Billionaire Profile
Ray Davis
Global Rank
#1096

Image: United States Marine Corps | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Ray Davis

CEO, Pipelines
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.888B
Estimated based on Pipelines stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.17% (24h)
Age
84
Source
Pipelines
Industry
Energy
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Ray C. Davis is an 84-year-old American billionaire businessman, renowned for his pivotal role in the energy sector and Major League Baseball. He is best known for co-founding Energy Transfer in 1996, which grew to become one of the largest pipeline operators in the United States. Davis's wealth source is primarily attributed to pipelines. His career spans over 40 years in the energy industry. Davis retired from his executive roles in 2007, but remained influential as a director and through his investment firm, Avatar Investments LP. He is also co-chairman and managing general partner of the Texas Rangers MLB franchise, which he acquired with a group of investors in 2010. Under his leadership, the Rangers won the World Series in 2023.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Ray C. Davis was born on October 15, 1941, in Overton, Texas. He received an MBA from LeTourneau University's School of Business. Davis started in the Texas energy sector in the mid-1960s, with early roles in natural gas distribution and pipeline operations.

Rise to Success

Davis built a career spanning over 40 years in the energy sector, holding various leadership positions before launching Energy Transfer in 1996. He co-founded Energy Transfer with Kelcy Warren. As co-CEO and chairman of Energy Transfer Partners (ETP) and chairman of Energy Transfer Equity (ETE), he oversaw significant expansions. He retired from his executive roles in 2007.

Key Business Strategies

Davis's success is rooted in his strategic approach to the energy sector. Energy Transfer's strategy involved aggressive acquisitions and large-scale development, building a vast pipeline network. Davis also made a successful venture into sports ownership, acquiring the Texas Rangers, and leading the team to its first World Series victory in 2023.

Philanthropy

Ray Davis has engaged in philanthropy through low-profile channels, focusing on causes in education, arts, and community welfare, primarily in Dallas. He established the Happy Davis Foundation in 2008, contributing to various charitable initiatives, including the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Career Milestones

1996

Co-founded Energy Transfer

Co-founded Energy Transfer with Kelcy Warren, a major energy infrastructure company.

2007

Retired as CEO of Energy Transfer

Retired from executive roles but remained involved as a director.

2010

Acquired the Texas Rangers

Joined a group to purchase the Texas Rangers baseball team.

2023

Texas Rangers World Series Victory

Led the Texas Rangers to their first World Series championship.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Welfare

Happy Davis Foundation

$8.5M

Established the Happy Davis Foundation, supporting Dallas-based causes in education, arts, and community welfare.

Education

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

$1M

Contributed to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Community Welfare

Buckner Foundation

$1M

Supported the Buckner Foundation, a Dallas-based Christian organization aiding children and families.

International Justice

International Justice Mission

$1M

Supported to the International Justice Mission in Washington, D.C.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Dakota Access Pipeline

Energy Transfer finished building the $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline despite protests by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe.

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